Maryland House murals [Pictures]

Photo by Nicole Munchel | Aegis staff

"Mr. [William A.] Smith labored extensively during 1967 and 1968 to research Maryland's history and to create the nine-panel, oil-on-canvas mural," Kelly Melhem, of the Maryland Transportation Authority, said. "Eight of the mural panels, four on each side of the building, flank the lobby above the stairways leading to the facility's second floor. The mural's largest panel was installed directly in the lobby of the Maryland House." The latter, however, was removed several years ago, following a dispute between the artist and the state after another artist added to the original.

"Mr. [William A.] Smith labored extensively during 1967 and 1968 to research Maryland's history and to create the nine-panel, oil-on-canvas mural," Kelly Melhem, of the Maryland Transportation Authority, said. "Eight of the mural panels, four on each side of the building, flank the lobby above the stairways leading to the facility's second floor. The mural's largest panel was installed directly in the lobby of the Maryland House." The latter, however, was removed several years ago, following a dispute between the artist and the state after another artist added to the original. (Photo by Nicole Munchel | Aegis staff)

The Maryland Transportation Authority said it is working to ensure the mural panels at the Maryland House travel plaza will survive the plaza's demolition and reconstruction. They will not, however, be rehung in the new Maryland House building.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said it is working to ensure the mural panels at the Maryland House travel plaza will survive the plaza's demolition and reconstruction. They will not, however, be rehung in the new Maryland House building. (Photo by Nicole Munchel | Aegis staff)

The Maryland House on I-95 near Aberdeen may be known more for its fast food and bevy of bathrooms than for fine artwork, but its murals portraying Maryland history, that have adorned the travel plaza for more than 40 years, have a significant history of their own. Read about the murals here.